Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. There are a variety of styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mum tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage space, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set-up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It's also priced reasonably and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this cot is no exception. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom with a contemporary gray finish that will suit any color scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or a day bed to last for a long time. It comes with two different base height positions too making it easier to reach baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through doors of all sizes which is a major bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a matching dresser and change table to keep all your newborn essentials in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a higher base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats of this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we have tested and makes it more compact and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not sag. You should also consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra features that include gentle rocking motions that help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for families who would like to use it from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down from the top, making it ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mum test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who require to have access to their infant easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents as it will last for as long as your child requires it. Baby Cot is a gorgeous cot bed that has a Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. Baby Cot is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together and includes teething rail, a storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great option for those with low ceilings or small areas. Its solid construction also means it can stand the test of time and won't be prone to falling apart as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close to them before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months however, many parents find that having their child near them before bedtime soothing.
This cot is available in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloping ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be tilted into four positions, including an incline that aids in reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester stated that her baby slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her younger.
Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, making it easy to put together and move around if needed. It's a great choice for parents with a limited space. It can also function as a portable cot. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. You'll need an additional mattress for this cot. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to stop your baby from getting trapped. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list, but it's not all about looks. The cot is made to last for their first 18 months. It could also be converted into a bed for toddlers by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our testers found it would suit any nursery, especially if you opt for an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. Baby beds between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. You'll need to purchase an mattress for your cot that is perfect, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers, as well as removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks their body to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for fussy sleepers.